Eco Alley

Living Green with Connie Pumphrey

The world population is currently about 6.9 billion people - 60% live in Asia, 15% in Africa, 11% in Europe, 9% in Latin America/the Caribbean, 5% in North America, and about 1% live in Oceania.  In the early 1800s, upwards of 95% of Earth’s inhabitants lived in rural/farming areas and fed themselves but, by 2007, more than half the world’s population lived in urban areas.  By 2030, the population is estimated to be 8.5 billion, 60% of whom will be urban dwellers. 
At current rates, Earth’s population will increase by 1.5 million people per week.  Maryland and Anne Arundel County’s population increases are dramatically increasing.  We’re a desirable place to live and draw people because of our many amenities.  My concern is that our infrastructure and resources will not be able to support that kind of population expansion.  Forget highways,schools and housing…will electricity and water/sewer capacity hold up under the pressure? 
Expansion, development and growth are key words in every politician’s speech these day but can our resources support the demand?  Growth on this scale needs to be combined with consideration of our resources so we don’t crash under the weight of population overload.

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Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 12/01/10 at 08:53 PM

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